Search the site for providers, locations, and content.
Main Menu
Management
WARFARIN
WARFARINTRANSCRIPT (page 1 of 3)If you have a high risk of developing blood clots that may lead to heart attack, strokeor Peripheral Artery Disease, you may be prescribed Warfarin. You may also befamiliar with its brand name, Coumadin.Warfarin is a high alert medication, which means if you do not take it exactly asprescribed, it may cause illness or injury.To understand how Warfarin works, let’s look at how blood clots affect your body.When you get a cut, materials in your blood quickly join together forming a clot overthe injury. This stops the bleeding and allows the wound to heal.However, sometimes blood clots can form in your blood vessels and can causepotentially dangerous health problems.Warfarin can help stop new clots from forming, prevent existing clots from gettingbigger, and prevent clots from breaking off the artery walls and traveling through thebody.Warfarin is a very powerful medication. If you take too much Warfarin, you can bleedeasily. If you take too little Warfarin, blood clots can form.Warfarin comes in a tablet. Your healthcare provider will decide on the dose ofWarfarin that is right for you based on a regular blood test called an InternationalNormalized Ratio, or INR.Some people should not take Warfarin. Do not take Warfarin if you are allergic to theingredients in it.Tell your healthcare provider if you have bleeding problems.20% gradient meshIf you are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, do not take Warfarin. If you arebreastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider about whether Warfarin is right for you.healthclipsBefore taking Warfarin, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of: liver orhealthclipskidney problems, bleeding problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, or recent eye orbrain injury.healthclips(Continued on next page)healthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10022_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshWARFARINTRANSCRIPT (page 2 of 3)Let all of your healthcare providers know you are taking Warfarin, including yourdentist. You may need to stop taking your medication a few days before yourappointment.In case of emergency, wear an alert bracelet and carry a wallet card to let allhealthcare providers know you are taking Warfarin.Some side effects of Warfarin include: minor bleeding from your nose or gums,bruises that form easily, unusual hemorrhoid bleeding, heavier than normal menstrualbleeding, nausea and vomiting, bloating or gas, or a change in your sense of taste.If you do notice any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider about howto manage them.Eating grapefruit, or drinking grapefruit juice, while taking Warfarin can increase yourside effects. If you do eat grapefruit, eat or drink about the same amount every day toavoid an increase in side effects.If you have an allergic reaction like: trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of your faceor throat, call 911.If you are coughing up or vomiting blood; have urine that looks red or rusty; have red,black, or tarry bowel movements; or have pain, swelling or discomfort in the stomach,abdomen or joints, call 911. These can be a sign of internal bleeding.If you have sudden leg or foot pain, purple toes or fingers; sudden dizziness, weaknessor headache; shortness of breath; fast heartbeat; pale skin; if you stop urinating; orhave yellowing of the eyes or skin, call 911 and get help immediately.This is not a complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible sideeffects with your healthcare provider.20% gradient meshTake Warfarin exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose. Based on your regularINR blood tests, your healthcare provider may change your dose if needed. Donothealthclipsmiss your healthcare or lab appointments.healthclipsWarfarin should be taken once a day, at the same time every day. If you miss a dose,take your Warfarin as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose,healthclipsskipyour missed dose and return to your normal medication schedule.healthclips(Continued on next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10022_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshWARFARINTRANSCRIPT (page 3 of 3)Do not double dose. If you think you have taken too much Warfarin, call 911.Do not take any new medications, herbs, vitamins, nutrition supplements, or over-thecounter medications without first talking to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.Some medications, even over-the-counter medications you take for a cold or upsetstomach, can change how your Warfarin is working. This includes vitamins C, K, A andE, over-the-counter cold medications, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen.Foods high in Vitamin K like kale, spinach and collard greens can affect the way yourWarfarin is working. Be consistent each day with the amount of Vitamin K you eat toensure your Warfarin is working correctly for you. Your healthcare provider can giveyou a list of foods that contain Vitamin K.Store Warfarin away from moisture and direct sunlight. Your bathroom medicinecabinet is not the best place because of moisture. Do not leave your medication whereit can get too hot or too cold. Always store your medication out of sight and out ofreach of children to prevent accidents.When you are done taking Warfarin, crush all of your remaining tablets and mixthem with undesirable trash like kitty litter or coffee grounds. Contact your healthcareprovider or pharmacist about the proper way to dispose of your medications.Warfarin can help prevent harmful blood clots. But it is a powerful medication thatshould only be taken exactly as prescribed. If you have any questions about Warfarin,ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist for more information.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10022_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
CalOptima Health works with thousands of Orange County providers, including doctors, specialists, health networks, medical groups and more.
Your health is everything to us. Please reach out for support if you need it.
Learn the lifestyle changes and daily activities that will help reduce your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.
Learn tips for safely taking your heart medications as prescribed to reduce your heart disease risk factors and your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Understand what the INR test measures, and what your healthy INR level should be.
Learn strategies that will help you manage your PAD symptoms and prevent long-term complications.
